New outbreak of electric ants in the south of France sparks concern
Authorities fear the emergency of a supercolony of the invasive species in Var
Electric ants are extremely small, slow-moving and light brown to ginger in colour
Raja Sopan Purba / Shutterstock
A third outbreak of so-called ‘electric ants’ has been identified in Var, raising fresh concern that the invasive species could gain a foothold in the south of France.
The latest cluster, confirmed in March in Cavalaire-sur-Mer, adds to earlier detections near Toulon in 2022 and La Croix-Valmer in 2024.
Authorities have long feared the emergence of a supercolony in the area, with the department still the only known location in France where the ants are present.
Native to South America and first recorded in Europe in Spain in 2016, the species is now listed by the EU as one of concern.
Its arrival in France is thought to be linked to the movement of plants and soil.
Tiny insect, outsized threat
Barely 1-2mm long and brown-orange in colour, electric ants (also known as little fire ants) are difficult to detect.
Their sting, however, is unmistakable: often described as a sharp electric shock, it can cause lasting pain, swelling and, in some cases, severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock.
They pose a risk not only to humans but also to pets, which may be repeatedly stung around the eyes, sometimes leading to blindness.
The broader danger is ecological. Electric ants aggressively displace native insect species, attack birds and small mammals, and destabilise ecosystems.
In Var, colonies have already been linked to damage to bird nests.
They also protect and farm aphids and other insects, increasing their numbers and amplifying harm to crops.
Once established, colonies can spread rapidly, aided by a dual reproductive system that includes cloning, and may contain multiple queens per square metre.This makes colonies particularly difficult to eradicate.
Scientists warn that a strain identified in Var appears relatively resistant to colder temperatures, raising concerns it could spread beyond the Mediterranean.
New eradication strategy
Containment efforts have been hampered in the past by regulatory and funding constraints, as well as the insect’s behaviour.
Traditional bait traps have proved largely ineffective, as the ants often avoid them.
Now, authorities in Var are deploying a new approach. For the first time in France, insecticide will be dispersed directly over affected areas rather than confined to bait stations.
Around four hectares in Toulon and La Croix-Valmer are due to be treated over several months, with drones used in hard-to-reach terrain.
Officials say the quantities used are minimal and targeted, and remain cautiously optimistic that eradication is still possible at this stage.
Experience elsewhere suggests delays can prove costly: Australia has spent tens of millions of euros tackling the species since the mid-2000s.
How to recognise electric ants
Electric ants are extremely small, slow-moving and light brown to ginger in colour. Colonies are often hidden underground, in garden soil, plant pots or debris, making them hard to spot until stings occur.
Authorities advise residents not to attempt to handle or treat suspected infestations themselves, as standard shop-bought insecticides are largely ineffective.
If you suspect their presence, report it to local authorities or specialist bodies such as Fredon PACA or the French biodiversity office. Early detection is considered critical to preventing wider spread.
In case of a sting, the priority is to monitor symptoms. Most cases involve intense but localised pain and swelling. However, anyone experiencing signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or widespread swelling, should seek urgent medical attention.
